<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Good Day,</div><div><br></div><div>Congratulations again on all the amazing efforts to save the Greenbelt and ensure it thrives for future generations! </div><div><br></div><div>We have our regular bi-weekly Update Meeting on Zoom tomorrow (Friday, September 29th) at 5:30pm where we will discuss the next steps to ensure the Ford government follows through on the legislation required to restore the Greenbelt, continuing news on investigations, the continuously changing Regional Reviews, and upcoming events where we can continue to hold the government accountable to get the needed changes for our Conservation Authorities, forced boundary expansions, MZO’s, Highway #413, and other outstanding issues:</div><div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Hopefully you will be able to join us to share ideas and discuss what happens next.</div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">If you have time today at 1pm, join Toronto Start reporters Brendan Kennedy and Noor Javed for their live Q+A on What Happens Next for the Greenbelt: </span></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/what-s-next-for-the-greenbelt-star-reporters-take-your-greenbelt-questions-live-at-1/article_d25840d5-2104-5306-84cf-9139b01e5423.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/what-s-next-for-the-greenbelt-star-reporters-take-your-greenbelt-questions-live-at-1/article_d25840d5-2104-5306-84cf-9139b01e5423.html</a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">1) Ottawa Councillors Demand Investigation -</b> Eleven City of Ottawa Councillors have released a letter calling on the provincial Auditor General and Integrity Commissioner to investigate the forced Urban Boundary expansion in Ottawa citing many parallels to the Greenbelt scandal. Their letter is attached below as a PDF. Kudos to these Councillors for standing up to the Ford government and demanding answers into why and how these 654 hectares of land were chosen.</div><div><br></div><div>At the City of Ottawa Council Meeting on Tuesday, a revised motion was approved instead asking the new MMAH Minister Paul Callandra to review the unilateral decision to open up these 650+ hectares of land in Ottawa as Council is hopeful the Minister may have a new approach to things and will reverse the decision.</div><div><br></div><div>We need Councillors in Hamilton, Halton Region, and Waterloo Region along with other areas that have seen similar unwanted and unneeded boundary expansions forced on them to speak up as well - particularly when these communities are each facing thousands of hectares of farmland and greenspace loss compared to the concerns Ottawa has for 654 hectares. The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario (ALO) has already requested investigations on these issues back in August. Hopefully we will see these wasteful, inefficient, expensive, and unnecessary expansions reversed. Please speak up to elected-officials in your community to urge them to press for changes from Queen’s Park.</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ottawa Citizen - City Council Asks Province To Review Its Decision To Expand Ottawa’s Urban Boundary.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-council-asks-province-to-review-its-decision-to-expand-ottawas-urban-boundary">https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-council-asks-province-to-review-its-decision-to-expand-ottawas-urban-boundary</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">2) Local, Provincial and National Media Coverage -</b> Here are just some of the many news articles over the week as the Greenbelt and concerns with the Ford government corruption dominate the headlines. Each of these articles raises many good points and concerns including additional Greenbelt reversal coverage, investigations into many outstanding questions/issues, thoughts on what is next, the compensation/costs of the Greenbelt scandal, and much more. Even just reading the headlines gives a good overview of the past week’s rapidly unfolding news:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Won’t Be Investigated Over Developer’s At Family Wedding Events:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-won-t-be-investigated-over-developers-at-family-wedding-events-integrity-commissioner-says/article_437c51bd-7bf9-5c64-a5ec-d2a1a075f3a7.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-won-t-be-investigated-over-developers-at-family-wedding-events-integrity-commissioner-says/article_437c51bd-7bf9-5c64-a5ec-d2a1a075f3a7.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Independent Journalism Saved The Greenbelt:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-ontario-greenbelt-decision-reversal/">https://thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-ontario-greenbelt-decision-reversal/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Newmarket Today - Environmentalists Celebrate Halt To Greenbelt Development:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/newmarket-environmentalists-celebrate-halt-to-greenbelt-development-7585958">https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/newmarket-environmentalists-celebrate-halt-to-greenbelt-development-7585958</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The National Observer - Farmers Chew A Strip Off Ford Over Greenbelt Removals:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/09/13/news/farmers-chew-strip-ford-over-greenbelt-removals">https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/09/13/news/farmers-chew-strip-ford-over-greenbelt-removals</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - As Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Reversal Is Celebrated, Other Misguided Planning Policies Remain Concerns:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/as-doug-ford-s-greenbelt-reversal-is-celebrated-other-misguided-planning-policies-remain-concerns/article_1525fb69-e8a4-5089-80e2-fa5a4395e372.html">https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/as-doug-ford-s-greenbelt-reversal-is-celebrated-other-misguided-planning-policies-remain-concerns/article_1525fb69-e8a4-5089-80e2-fa5a4395e372.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - "We’re In Danger” The Inside Story of Doug Ford and His Unhappy MPPs Summer Of Misery:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/we-re-in-danger-the-inside-story-of-doug-ford-and-his-unhappy-mpps-summer/article_2d18ca0f-77ba-517b-bd0d-903c0daf6e49.html">https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/we-re-in-danger-the-inside-story-of-doug-ford-and-his-unhappy-mpps-summer/article_2d18ca0f-77ba-517b-bd0d-903c0daf6e49.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Has Finally Done The Right Thing On The Greenbelt - Here’s What He Needs To Do Next:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/doug-ford-s-finally-done-the-right-thing-on-the-greenbelt-here-s-what-he/article_bf98b1b5-88ba-579a-83eb-aee966abcf4f.html">https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/doug-ford-s-finally-done-the-right-thing-on-the-greenbelt-here-s-what-he/article_bf98b1b5-88ba-579a-83eb-aee966abcf4f.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - It’s Common For Mayors To Meet To Talk About Mutual Issues But Sensitive Topics Should Have Public Meetings:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/it-s-common-for-mayors-to-meet-to-talk-about-mutual-issues-but-sensitive-topics/article_82f1dc71-d776-5abd-96b0-3663162ea93f.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/it-s-common-for-mayors-to-meet-to-talk-about-mutual-issues-but-sensitive-topics/article_82f1dc71-d776-5abd-96b0-3663162ea93f.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Mr. X and his MZO’s:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/mr-x-and-his-mzos-the-greenbelt-consultant-has-claimed-credit-for-getting-special-zoning/article_98189833-b37e-5e12-ada1-cb717db59314.html">https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/mr-x-and-his-mzos-the-greenbelt-consultant-has-claimed-credit-for-getting-special-zoning/article_98189833-b37e-5e12-ada1-cb717db59314.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Why Would Anyone Trust This Government?” Doug Ford Slammed As He Unwinds Greenbelt Plans:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/why-would-anyone-trust-this-government-doug-ford-slammed-as-he-unwinds-greenbelt-plans/article_3b799eff-a488-59c3-b982-2b11114ac10a.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/why-would-anyone-trust-this-government-doug-ford-slammed-as-he-unwinds-greenbelt-plans/article_3b799eff-a488-59c3-b982-2b11114ac10a.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Who Is Ryan Amato?, The Political Staffer At The Center of Ontario’s Greenbelt Scandal:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/ryan-amato-greenbelt-scandal-ontario-police/">https://thenarwhal.ca/ryan-amato-greenbelt-scandal-ontario-police/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Hamilton Spectator - Critics Say Developers Given Advance Sign-off On Hamilton’s Growth Plan:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/critics-say-developers-given-advance-sign-off-on-hamilton-s-growth-plan/article_f057cd9e-01f4-50bf-be95-34997308d4c4.html">https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/critics-say-developers-given-advance-sign-off-on-hamilton-s-growth-plan/article_f057cd9e-01f4-50bf-be95-34997308d4c4.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Crier Media - The Floodgates Are About To Open And This is Just The Beginning As Doug Ford’s Government Unravels:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://crier.co/doug-ford-just-gave-back-all-the-land-he-stole-for-his-developer-pals-his-ministers-are-dropping-like-flies-and-this-is-just-the-begninning/">https://crier.co/doug-ford-just-gave-back-all-the-land-he-stole-for-his-developer-pals-his-ministers-are-dropping-like-flies-and-this-is-just-the-begninning/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - What Do We Want In Our Leaders? Maybe What One Would-Be Liberal Leader Is Pitching:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/what-do-we-want-in-our-leaders-maybe-what-one-would-be-liberal-leader-is/article_0ad796e5-7c77-5e0f-b6e8-91d7c9d3cb61.html">https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/what-do-we-want-in-our-leaders-maybe-what-one-would-be-liberal-leader-is/article_0ad796e5-7c77-5e0f-b6e8-91d7c9d3cb61.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Federal Environment Minister Suspending Urban Park Study After Ford’s Greenbelt Reversal:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/09/25/federal-environment-minister-suspending-urban-park-study-fords-greenbelt-reversal/?">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/09/25/federal-environment-minister-suspending-urban-park-study-fords-greenbelt-reversal/?</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Ontario To Introduce New Greenbelt Law Soon, New Housing Minister Says:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/09/25/ontario-to-introduce-new-greenbelt-law-soon-new-housing-minister-says/">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/09/25/ontario-to-introduce-new-greenbelt-law-soon-new-housing-minister-says/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium - PC’s Reject NDP’s Greenbelt Restoration Bill, Promising Their Own Soon:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/pcs-reject-ndps-greenbelt-restoration-bill-promising-their-own-soon-7596725">https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/pcs-reject-ndps-greenbelt-restoration-bill-promising-their-own-soon-7596725</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Globe and Mail - Ontario PC’s Vow To Enshrine Greenbelt Boundaries In Law But Block NDP Bill:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-to-secure-greenbelt-boundaries-in-law-after-reversing-plan-to/">https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-to-secure-greenbelt-boundaries-in-law-after-reversing-plan-to/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - How Doug Ford’s New Planning Rules Have Made Things Worse For Toronto’s Housing Crisis:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/how-doug-ford-s-new-planning-rules-have-made-things-worse-for-toronto-s-housing/article_4a18c5fe-7acf-54dc-a722-839e07ec4aea.html">https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/how-doug-ford-s-new-planning-rules-have-made-things-worse-for-toronto-s-housing/article_4a18c5fe-7acf-54dc-a722-839e07ec4aea.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - <a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/how-doug-ford-s-new-planning-rules-have-made-things-worse-for-toronto-s-housing/article_4c81cb29-25d9-5307-9417-23a36070cdcd.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/how-doug-ford-s-new-planning-rules-have-made-things-worse-for-toronto-s-housing/article_4c81cb29-25d9-5307-9417-23a36070cdcd.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Global News - Vegas Trip Under Scrutiny As NDP Grills Doug Ford Over Greenbelt:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DIt-ybTeas">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DIt-ybTeas</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Their Vegas Story Is Not Adding Up: Doug Ford Dogged By New Greenbelt Questions About Controversial Trip:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/their-vegas-story-is-not-adding-up-doug-ford-dogged-by-new-greenbelt-questions-about/article_505abe45-d0ef-54ba-b5b6-0edef2c84de1.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/their-vegas-story-is-not-adding-up-doug-ford-dogged-by-new-greenbelt-questions-about/article_505abe45-d0ef-54ba-b5b6-0edef2c84de1.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Says Ontario Is Better Off Since He Was Elected. Who Does He Think He’s Kidding?:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-says-ontario-is-better-off-since-he-was-elected-who-does-he-think/article_bc3a4177-b321-58c9-9a6a-ebed27b416e3.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-says-ontario-is-better-off-since-he-was-elected-who-does-he-think/article_bc3a4177-b321-58c9-9a6a-ebed27b416e3.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - <a href="https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-says-ontario-is-better-off-since-he-was-elected-who-does-he-think/article_a7f33704-93d6-5f83-9c0a-f014eb50c38f.html">https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-says-ontario-is-better-off-since-he-was-elected-who-does-he-think/article_a7f33704-93d6-5f83-9c0a-f014eb50c38f.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ottawa Citizen - Ontario Will Not Compensate Greenbelt Developers, Housing Minister Says:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/ontario-will-not-compensate-greenbelt-developers-housing-minister-says">https://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/ontario-will-not-compensate-greenbelt-developers-housing-minister-says</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Radio-Canada highlighted a couple of Greenbelt rallies this past weekend that pivoted to celebrations: <a href="https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2012639/ceinture-de-verdure-celebrations-a-toronto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2012639/ceinture-de-verdure-celebrations-a-toronto</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">We also know that the Greenbelt advocacy has become mainstream when Toronto Life writes an article listing the winners and losers of the Greenbelt Scandal:</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://torontolife.com/city/winners-losers-greenbelt-scandal-doug-ford/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://torontolife.com/city/winners-losers-greenbelt-scandal-doug-ford/</a> </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Although most of us have no idea about the Greenbelt Preservation Association referred in the article. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Our work is not done and we need to continue to keep up the pressure to ensure proper investigations, consequences, and the best possible future outcomes.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">3) Editorials and Insights -</b> Here’s a couple of great editorials and articles providing current insights and suggesting needed future actions:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star Editorial Board - Greenbelt Scheme Shows Needs For Safeguards:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/greenbelt-scheme-shows-needs-for-safeguards/article_abee7fc1-fc7f-5a0f-b584-a677e1c008ec.html">https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/greenbelt-scheme-shows-needs-for-safeguards/article_abee7fc1-fc7f-5a0f-b584-a677e1c008ec.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Some great quotes from this editorial:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- "The Premier has flipped and flopped so often on the question of Greenbelt development that it’s hard to have any confidence the lands are truly safe from the bulldozer.” </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- “There is a lot yet to be put right.” </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- “It seems certainly that Ontario taxpayers will pay a price too. Developers who were pushed and encouraged by Ford to get shovels in the ground on Greenbelt lands, only to have the rug pulled out, are certain to go after the province for compensation. We will all pay for this Greenbelt debacle. Ontarians are still owed answers and accountability for this serious failure.”</div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The National Observer - The Greenbelt Debacle: How Did We Get Here?:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/09/25/opinion/greenbelt-debacle-how-did-we-get-here">https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/09/25/opinion/greenbelt-debacle-how-did-we-get-here</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>4) What’s Next For The Greenbelt? -</b></span> Toronto Star Investigative Reporters Brendan Kennedy and Noor Javed Take Your Questions Thursday, Sept 28th at 1pm:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/what-s-next-for-the-greenbelt-star-reporters-take-your-greenbelt-questions-live-on-thursday/article_d25840d5-2104-5306-84cf-9139b01e5423.html">https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/what-s-next-for-the-greenbelt-star-reporters-take-your-greenbelt-questions-live-on-thursday/article_d25840d5-2104-5306-84cf-9139b01e5423.html</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">5) What’s Next For Us? -</b> In addition to closely scrutinizing the pending Conservative legislation to return the Greenbelt parcels, there are still a number of issues that we need to ensure Doug Ford’s provincial government reverses course on including:</div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1) Reversing the forced sale of Conservation Authority Lands and restoring the powers/duties of our Conservation Authorities,</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2) Ensuring that Regional Planning Authority is fully returned to Waterloo, Durham, Niagara, Halton, York, Peel, and Simcoe County,</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3) Cancelling the reclassification and downgrading of Provincially Significant Wetlands and the removal of wetland offsetting policies,</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4) Repeal of the unfettered ability to expand Settlement Area Boundaries anytime, for any reason, </div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5) Ensuring the cancellation and removal of severances for farmland and rural lands with a strong “No Rural Severances” policy,</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6) Rolling back of forced urban boundary expansions in Hamilton, Waterloo, Halton, Ottawa, and elsewhere against local municipality decisions/official plans - particularly where sufficient new housing was already being accommodated within existing plans.</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7) Calling for continued investigations by the RCMP, Auditor General and Integrity Commissioner - not only into this Greenbelt Scandal but also the very similar decisions by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that had no public input or consultation on forced urban boundary expansions, MZO’s, Growth Plan elimination, Regional Planning changes, and the wetland evaluation system changes.</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8) Continuing to fight on other key issues such as Highway #413, the Bradford Bypass, Ontario Place, Healthcare, Education, etc.</div><div><br></div><div>There are also the three outstanding demands of the First Nations Chiefs for a full repeal of Bill 23, ensuring First Nations consultation, and extending the ERO commenting deadline for the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) for a full year.</div><div><br></div><div>If we can get these outstanding issues addressed, then we can focus our energies on the more positive activities of dealing with our housing challenges and building great sustainable communities.</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>6) Upcoming Greenbelt Rallies and Events -</b></span> People across the province are still speaking up, rallying, and celebrating the Greenbelt victory: </div><div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Greenbelt Youth Rally and Celebration for Farmland - Oct 1st - 1pm - Dundas - <a href="https://www.strongandkind.org/greenbeltyouthrally">https://www.strongandkind.org/greenbeltyouthrally</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Celebration for Duffins Rouge Ag Preserve and Rouge National Park - Oct 1st - 2pm Whitevale Park - <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/emails/6514ca260441f44fb101a867">https://view.flodesk.com/emails/6514ca260441f44fb101a867</a></div></div><div><div><br></div><div>Additional details are below. Learn more and how to participate at: <a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/">https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/</a></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">7) Other Provincial Issues - Concerning Waste, Stormwater Management and Water-Taking Exemptions -</b> The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is raising alarm about proposed changes by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to exempt waste management systems, stormwater management and water-taking from current licensing requirements. They are strongly urging the Ministry not to proceed with these proposals. CELA is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, Oct 17th at 1pm to learn more. There is also an Action Alert with links for you to submit comments by October 30th:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CELA Oct 17th Webinar Information:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://cela.ca/webinar-environment-ministry-proposes-to-exempt-harmful-activities-from-licensing-requirements/">https://cela.ca/webinar-environment-ministry-proposes-to-exempt-harmful-activities-from-licensing-requirements/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CELA Action Alert:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://cela.ca/action-alert-environment-ministry-proposes-to-exempt-harmful-activities-from-licensing-requirements/">https://cela.ca/action-alert-environment-ministry-proposes-to-exempt-harmful-activities-from-licensing-requirements/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">8) Other Issues - Hallman Pit Update - </b>The October date for the Hallman Pit Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing is rapidly approaching. Show your support for fighting this Wilmot Township gravel pit application by becoming a member of the Citizens for Safe Groundwater. It’s free and only takes a minute:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CSGW Membership Form:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkSZUHJfyKGs4oF6YrgcYGlEhLGCguCzAu9MRyK1GUN8dlpg/viewform?pli=1">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkSZUHJfyKGs4oF6YrgcYGlEhLGCguCzAu9MRyK1GUN8dlpg/viewform?pli=1</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">9) Reminder - Meeting This Friday</b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> -</span></b> Join us online this Friday, September 29th at 5:30pm to discuss the latest news and what’s next:</div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time: Every Other Friday at 5:30pm EST</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Join Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Passcode: 713374</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Thanks for all the great efforts so far. Please share any questions or ideas.</div><div><div id="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqtfd24641" class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqt1303954863"><br clear="none"><div dir="ltr"><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770ydp8bacb94dyiv1865983000Apple-style-span">Cheers,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>-----------------------------------</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">A) Upcoming Events</font></b></div><div><br></div><div><div>Friday, September 29th<b style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - 5:30pm - Next update meeting on Zoom - </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09" style="font-weight: 400;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></b></div><div></div></div><div><div><br></div><div>Friday, September 29th - 8pm to 9pm - Climate Emergency Vigil - Waterloo Public Square <font face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">- </span></font><a href="https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html">https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html</a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px;"><br></span></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div>Saturday, September 30th - EV Demonstration and Show - The Boardwalk, Waterloo - <a href="https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=3585">https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=3585</a></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Sunday, October 1st - 1pm - Greenbelt Youth Rally and Celebration for Farmland - Dundas - <a href="https://www.strongandkind.org/greenbeltyouthrally">https://www.strongandkind.org/greenbeltyouthrally</a></div><div><br></div><div>Sunday, October 1st - 2pm - Rally to Celebrate Rouge Park and the DRAP - <a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/">https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Saturday, October 28th - Already Sold Out! - Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition Event with Margaret Atwood and Sarah Harmer - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-for-the-greenbelt-tickets-658110374847?aff=scgcaugeml">https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-for-the-greenbelt-tickets-658110374847?aff=scgcaugeml</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div>------------------------------------</div><div><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">B) Speak Up On The ERO To Return Greenbelt Lands:</span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7562">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7562</a></div><div><br></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>